The novel coronavirus pandemic has undoubtedly altered lives. Classes moved online. Virtual graduations. But one thing remains consistent. Bonners still find a way to make positive impacts in their communities.
We have heard from Bonner Programs across the United States about the creative and important work Bonners are doing as a response to COVID-19.
Janel Wirley ’20 (Pictured and photo courtesy of Wirley)
At the University of Tampa (Tampa, FL) senior Bonner and dance major, Janel Wirley ’20, adapted to continue her internship with the Glazier Children's Museum education team by creating online dance classes for children with special needs. Wirley's internship project is a part of her Senior Bonner Capstone. Read more about Wirley's creative adaptation here.
Hannah DiDomenico ’22 (right) cuts fabric for mask sets with her mom for local volunteers to sew for healthcare workers. Photo courtesy of Centre College News.
At Centre College (Danville, KY) 10 Centre students, including sophomore Bonner and anthropology and environmental studies double major, Hannah DiDomenico ’22, have prepared 76 mask sets themselves in conjunction with a larger community effort that has collectively provided over 4,100 masks. Jessica Weasner, director of community service & the Bonner Program, said “I was concerned that our students, like many of us, were probably feeling cut-off from the world and helpless in the face of this global pandemic,” Weasner continued. “I wanted to give them an opportunity to engage in this meaningful community work while adhering to social distancing guidelines and recognizing the new challenges that online coursework has brought. While cutting out fabric might not seem like much, it’s an essential part of this community effort, and I hope it helps our students feel connected to something larger and empowered to make a difference.” Read more about this effort here.
In New Jersey, UrbanPromise Trenton was created in 2011 and has relied on hands-on, in-person programs - such as tutoring, extra-curricular activities, educational enrichment and bible studies - to keep at-risk students and teens occupied and safe. With social distancing making in-person programs impossible, UrbanPromise needed to adjust. The College of New Jersey Bonner Program, which has Bonners serving year-round with UrbanPromise as tutors, helped the organization swifty switch to a virtual tutoring program. Read more about the innovative approach here.
At Christopher Newport University (Newport News, VA) sophomore Bonner, Sydney King '22, started a #WalkWithMe challenge for her family and friends to stay active and connected. She challenged them to walk to beat the number of US coronavirus cases with their collective number of steps. The challenge grew to 158 people from 23 US states and 16 countries. Through social media, 2,392,331 steps were submitted - topping not just the number of US coronavirus cases, but the total number of cases worldwide.
Photo courtesy of University of Houston’s Facebook page.
At the University of Houston (Houston, TX), the Bonner Leader Program works closely with the Houston Food Bank. However, with the coronavirus pandemic, they have not been able to operate the in-person food pantries/markets as usual. Trinity Rinear, the Assistant Director of the Bonner Leader Program, reports that the Bonner Leaders organized a fundraiser to support the food bank. "Just a little attempt to stay engaged with a great partner and support their mission," Rinear says.